Winter 2009

NORTH HAMPTON
Community Newsletter
SPONSORED BY: Friends of the Library, North Hampton Public Library, North Hampton School Board and the Town of North Hampton

In This Issue
Select Board Update January 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Friends of Centennial Hall Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Exciting Additions to Curriculum at Seacoast Academy of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Conservation Commission has Continued Successes in 2008 . . .4 N. Hampton Womens Club . . . .5 Rye Beach-Little Boars Head Garden Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 North Hampton Recreation Upcoming Events & Programs . .6 North Hampton Historical Society News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 North Hampton School Board Presents Zero Impact Budget . . .7 News from the Childrens Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Upcoming Programs at North Hampton Public Library . . . . . . . .9 Planning Board Update . . . . . . . .10 From the Office of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector . . . . . . . . . . . .11 North Hampton Schools Guiding Beliefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Recycling Center News . . . . . . . .12 North Hampton Energy Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Cub Scout News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Town of North Hampton Water Commission . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Select Board Update January 2009

The Towns Undesignated Fund Balance consists of money in excess of budgeted expenses and income. Before setting the tax rate, the Undesignated Fund Balance was at $2 million. The General government finance guidelines recommend an Undesignated Fund Balance retainage of 5-8%. The Board voted to keep $1,393,280 (8% retainage) and to use money in excess of that amount to reduce the property tax rate. 2008 Tax Rate: The tax rate is based on our spending minus our income, divided by our assessed valuation. The 2008 tax rate is $15.16 (.098 less than 2007) for North Hampton. A breakdown of the property tax rate is as follows:
The Town: Local Schools: State School: County: $3.74 $7.97 (North Hampton School & Winnacunnet HS) $2.58 $.87

Next Deadline
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009

Newsletter Contacts
SCHOOL: Tara Rossi, 964-5501 TOWN: Lorreen Keating, 964-6326

2008 Property Revaluation: Article 6 of the New Hampshire Constitution mandates that a revaluation takes place every five years. The last revaluation was conducted in 2003. In 2007 the net valuation of which the tax rate is computed was $898,661,392. The 2008 net valuation is $1,000,896,800 which is an 11% change over 2007. Based on numerous property owner concerns that the values reported by Vision Appraisal were unusually high, the Board performed its due diligence and inquired into Visions procedures to see if it the process was true and fair. Consequently, individual Board members spent many hours reviewing the property assessment process, meeting with our Town assessors and with the Department of Revenue Administrations Director of Assessing Bureau. These meetings proved that Vision is operating within the guidelines of the National Assessors Standards Board (ASB) and the applicable state statutes and regulations. Their numbers are well within the acceptable ranges of the ASB and the NH Department of Revenue Administration. Overall, the value of property is driven by housing sales data, depreciation, style of home, square footage and other variables listed on property data cards for each property. These factors are used to create a formula for spreadsheet calculations. This formula is used to compute each propertys specifics identified on the propertys data card to derive its value. To ensure controls, the NH Department of Revenue assigns an auditor to monitor the entire reassessment process and to randomly run property statistical checks on the appraisers (Vision Appraisal) assessments. It is important that the Towns property cards reflect accurate information about your property. So if there is incorrect information about your property, please call the Town office so that the cards can be corrected and updated. ...continued on page 2
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER PAGE 1

WINTER 2009

Select Board Update January 2009 continued from page 1

If you think your propertys assessment is incorrect, you need to fill out an abatement form by March 1st. The abatement process is specifically designed to remedy mistakes in the assessment value so that no one is unlawfully or unfairly taxed. Property owners must apply in writing (using the abatement form) by March 1st to the Select Board, who will review, grant or deny in writing on or before July 1st. If the Select Board denies the abatement, the property owner can appeal to the Board of Tax and Land Appeal. Remember that the property owner has to prove an error in the assessment and that as a result of the error the owner bears a tax burden disproportionately, higher than the tax burden imposed on others in the Town. Ensuring knowledge transfer takes place for future Select Boards, our Board is establishing a file of the 2008 Revaluation concerns, lessons learned and recommendations. These recommendations include improved relations/collaborations between the Town, its assessors, DRA and the awarded assessing company once a contract is signed; having the Town assessors conduct random testing of neighborhoods as well as individual parcels; ensure the complaint process is easier and more resident friendly; and to explore the possibility of completing the five year reassessment schedule in four years so that the fifth year can be used to address any issues of concern. Towns Financial Systems: Our cash receipt reconciliations are up to date and balanced; the 2006-07 financial audit has been completed and the Towns Investment Policy has been revised. Town financial policies and controls continue to be reviewed, revised, and or developed to ensure sound accounting practices. The part-time accountant has reconciled the Conservation Commission Fund and is currently working to balance the Cable 22 Revolving account and North Hampton Forever Capital Reserve Account. His job has been a series of historical fact finding, gathering documentation and establishing accounting records. With a $5.4 million budget, the accounting function is a full time job and essential for the accuracy and management of our Towns assets. Collective Bargaining Negotiations: The Town continues to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the North Hampton Professional Fire Fighters and the Teamsters, which represent the Police Officers and the Department of Public Works Employees. As you can understand, during these economic times, this process is very important. Both sides hope to achieve an equitable resolution. The 2009-2010 Budget: In March the Select Board set a goal of keeping the Towns budget at a zero base level. We are determined to meet that goal with a Town budget that is 5% lower than last years. The Town budget will be discussed at the Town Budget Hearing on January 15th, 7PM in the Old Town Hall. We encourage you to attend. 2009-2010 Warrant Articles: While we continue to review warrant articles, listed below are a few we think deserve your attention. Benefits for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector: The current Town ClerkTax Collector is asking us to provide the position with medical benefits. It has become evident over time that the job now requires the individual to put in well over 30 hours of work in any given week. By State Statute, benefits are not automatically offered to elected officials but the State Statute does allow the Select Board to make this determination. In accordance with the Towns personnel policy, if the Town Clerk-Tax Collector was a Town employee, she would receive medical benefits for working over 30 hours. The previous Tax Collector and Town Clerk were given benefits by prior boards. The Select Board realizes the importance of continuity in this elected position and the dedication of the current Town Clerk Tax collector, yet we think the long term financial commitment of granting medical benefits to an elected official sets a precedence for all elected officials. This long term commitment will be financed by the taxpayers and it is our belief that residents should weigh in on this decision. So we are placing a warrant article to raise $14,400 in taxes to provide benefits to the current elected Town Clerk-Tax Collector. Building Maintenance Capital Reserve Fund: We are asking for $75,000 to maintain the integrity of our buildings, which includes the Old Town Hall. Mosquito Capital Reserve Fund: With the current economic situation, the Board has decided to withdraw the $70,000 needed for mosquito control from the capital reserve fund established for this purpose. Instead of raising the monies through taxation, this warrant article ensures that mosquito control will not have a tax impact this year. We encourage you to attend the Deliberative session, January 31st at 8:30AM in the North Hampton School Cafeteria. ~Respectfully submitted, Emily Creighton, Chair, Mike Coutu, Craig Salomon
PAGE 2 NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2009

Friends of Centennial Hall Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Ownership

North Hampton When Centennial Hall was listed for sale in the spring of 1997, a group of concerned citizens gathered together to figure out how to save the towns former school and social center. By 1998, a newly formed non-profit organization, now known as the Friends of Centennial Hall, Inc., signed a purchase and sales agreement and began working with various arts organizations to preserve and restore the historic building as a community center for the arts. The Friends of Centennial Hall are now celebrating 10 years of ownership with a tribute to local champions who have made significant contributions towards revitalizing the Hall. At a recent celebration, awards and special announcements helped supporters to see just how far they have come. Thanks to a grant from Marcy McCann, Carolyn Brooks, Jerry Murphy New Hampshires Land and Community Heritage and Sue Brooks say goodbye to the mortgage. Investment Program (LCHIP) met dollar-for-dollar by matching funds from community members, the crowd cheered the burning of the mortgage the all-volunteer, independent, non-profit group now assumes debt-free ownership and is ready to launch into the next phase of the restoration. The Friends of Centennial Hall are pleased to announce Josephine Lamprey as the first winner of the Centennial Club award, honoring a person who has shared their time, advice and resources to further the restoration of Centennial Hall. The first Louise Booker Goss award, named in memoriam after the alumnus whose vision first inspired the preservation project, was awarded to daughter, Carolyn Brooks, to acknowledge Brooks tireless efforts carrying out yard sales, bake sales, Old Home Day luncheons, ice cream sales, historic tours, property improvement projects and more, to fulfill her mothers vision to save the hall for the communitys enjoyment. Both award recipients are alumni of the town school once housed at Centennial Hall. Ben King and Bruce Kirk received the Golden Hammer awards for their time and dedication in maintaining and improving the 1876 structure, as the board continues to raise restoration funds and oversee the buildings tenants. Attorney Kate Miller of Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella, was celebrated for her high caliber pro-bono legal assistance. A new sign funded by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and a brick and granite rear walkway were two of the recent improvements highlighted on tours, which included a basement classroom, refurbished by Timberland volunteers, now available for lease. Honoring all past board members and many supporters, the Friends of Centennial Hall are excited about the past and pushing for the futureand access to the buildings grand ballroom on the second floor. If you would Josephine Lamprey, first winner of the like to make a donation or learn more about how you can Centennial Club Award, next to the new help, please contact Marcy McCann at (603) 964-2021. NHCF-funded Centennial Hall sign

Exciting Additions to Curriculum at Seacoast Academy of Music

The Seacoast Academy of Music at Centennial Hall has added two new programs to its curriculum for the Winter-Spring Semester. In addition to the private lesson program for all ages and abilities, there will be The Music In Me for pre-schoolers and their parents/caregivers and siblings, and Kodaly for Kids for kids aged 5-9. Taught by Maria Isaak, both offer a joyful musical experience! To find out more, please call the school at 964-3660 or visit www.seacoastacademyofmusic.org.
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER PAGE 3

WINTER 2009

Conservation Commission has Continued Successes in 2008

The year 2008 resulted in significant progress by the Conservation Commission on behalf of North Hamptons residents. Highlighted below are some of the achievements made by our Commission: Conservation Commission e-mail Address We have a new e-mail address: Northhamptonconservation@comcast.net and, as always, welcome your continued suggestions and comments. NH Estuaries Grant Project With a technical assistance grant from the NH Estuaries Project, we completed both an expert contractor technical assessment of North Hamptons wetlands buffers and drinking water aquifers and also issued a Community-wide public information newsletter describing North Hamptons environmentally sensitive wetlands areas. These are available on the Towns web page along with other information describing wetlands and buffers. The newsletter has become a model for the NH Estuaries Project to use for other Towns seeking public information programs on important conservation issues. Since one-third of our towns land area is wetlands and we depend totally on indigenous groundwater aquifers for our drinking water supply, we need to be increasingly mindful of escalating encroachment into our wetlands buffers. We are hoping to encourage the Town to be more cognizant of this, given the continuing unabated encroachment of wetlands buffer setbacks. Feedback from the newsletter has been very encouraging. We seek added feedback either by mail, e-mail or with written comment that can be dropped off at the library. Heres a small sample of the feedback: I just received the Citizens Guide and found it well written and easy to read and understand - great for making people more aware and getting them more involved. Kudos -thank you for publishing it! Also another: I was delighted to receive the above-captioned publication, and I thank everyone on the Conservation Commission responsible for its well-thought content. This is an extremely important issue for everyone in North Hampton as we rely totally on septic systems for the treatment of our waste, and yet supply much of the seacoasts potable drinking water. The protection of these resources is of paramount importance. Thank you again for providing this information to the residents of the town. Little River Salt Marsh Restoration Project, Phase II With a DES Coastal Program grant, with Federal NOAA Government funding, we are working with the Rocking County Conservation District (RCCD) to complete the permitting and engineering for the restoration project. This project will entail the excavation and dredging to open the natural tidal flow into the upper southwestern portion of the marsh. Project activities are underway by RCCD along with DES Coastal program staff and expert contractors to complete permitting and engaging an excavation contractor. Our goal is to complete the excavation this winter while equipment access into the marsh can be made on frozen turf. Environmental Guest Speakers Series Initiative We are initiating a guest speakers series featuring topics of interest dealing with conservation such as drinking water protection, regulation and enforcement, wetlands and wetlands buffers protection and conservation monitoring. We plan to host these lectures at the library and will enlist environmental experts from organizations such as the NH DES, The Nature Conservancy, Rockingham Regional Planning Office, Rockingham County Conservation District, NH Estuaries Project and several local land trusts to give the guest lectures. Further information will be provided to our residents from the Town web page, Channel 22 and local press releases on dates, times and subjects. Enforcement Initiative Through collaborative efforts with Aquarion Water Co. and The NH Nature Conservancy, we will continue water testing in environmentally sensitive areas in Town to give baseline information and to identify potential contamination of wetlands. We have already completed testing of Barton Brook, which transects the Dustin Farm conservation parcel. This parcel features a surface water spring in proximity of an Aquarion drinking water aquifer. With the Nature Conservancy, we are also developing a water testing program along the Winnicut River, particularly in locations near septic systems along the river watershed. Our intent is to report any evidence of contamination to the DES for corrective enforcement actions. ...continued on page 5
PAGE 4 NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2009

Conservation Commission
continued from page 4
Historic Farms Initiative We have completed historical research narratives for five Conservation parcels that were former farms in Town. We are continuing to work with the Heritage Commission on this initiative, with the goal of completing a summary document for publication. Dalton Town Forest With the completion of the Forest Management Plan this year, we are anticipating an initial tree harvest in early 2009. In addition, we are planning to erect the Town Forest sign using a granite signpost remaining from the demolition of the former house on Atlantic Ave owned by the Town. North Hampton Forever The North Hampton Forever committee continues to make progress in completing federal grant documentation and in negotiating for a large parcel in Town. The acquisition of this conservation land is likely to exhaust the remaining funds from the 2001 bond issue. In addition to the above initiatives, we continue to make application review recommendations to other Town Boards, to monitor conservation land and update our land inventory and maps. We again thank Town residents for your continued support and ask that, through your participation and your votes, you become more proactive in protecting our valuable wetlands and drinking water aquifers. ~Chris Ganotis, Chairman

Rye Beach - Little Boars Head Garden Club

The desire to create lies deep in most gardeners and what better way than to continue the long tradition of the Seaside Garden at Little Boars Head. Each summer, members of the Rye Beach/ Little Boars Head Garden Club design a garden that works with the rocks and water surrounding it. As gardeners, we dream in technicolor of seed catalogues and the flowers that will flourish under our care. From A to Z: Angelonias to Zinnias, annuals and perennials create a tapestry of blade and blossom to whet the appetites of passers-by. Nothing can put you more in touch with yourself and the world around you than time well-spent working with the natural landscape. Spirit and nature working together. As the summer wanes, your point of view changes as the foliage of a healthy plant becomes interesting long after the flowers have gone by. Seedpods, poking their heads through snow drifts become a reminder of natures cycle. This is the time when imaginations become the true magic carpet. Plans are already in place for the 2009 season. In addition to the Seaside Garden, members also maintain a bed at the eastern end of Atlantic Avenue, a small garden at the end of Sea Road in Rye and the South Garden, adjacent to the southern end of the historic fish houses. For a perfect place to rewind and recharge, visit the gardens next summer. ~Janice Mellian-member

North Hampton Womens Club

The January 7th meeting will feature Kelle Mackenzie, Director of the Great Bay Discovery Center at Sandy Point. The February 4th meeting will be The History of North Hampton. Priscilla Leavitt, President of the North Hampton Historical Society will be the speaker. The March 4th meeting will feature Jamie Colen from the Fuller Gardens. The April 1st meeting will be a visit from Denise Costello, a member of the Attorney Generals Staff, giving a lecture on How To Avoid Consumer Fraud. All meetings are held at the North Hampton United Church of Christ at 1:00 P.M. For more information contact Jean Pepple at 964-1179.

Rye Beach/Little Boars Head Garden next to the fish houses in North Hampton.
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER PAGE 5

WINTER 2009

North Hampton Recreation Upcoming Events & Programs

WinterFest II 09 is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2009. Start the day with a delicious pancake breakfast served by the Boy and Cub Scouts, hop over to the Library to enjoy the puppetry of Martha Dana, then go over to the Town Hall and enjoy the Magic of Peter Boie & the NH Audubon Show that directly follows. Drive up the road a bit to Centennial Hall to enjoy a juried crafts fair & the NHS Wintervals Art Show, while viewing the art pieces, take a bite into the Cookie Bake off and vote on the best tasting cookie. Next door, the Chili Cook-off awaits your taste buds and vote for the Best Tastin Chili in Town! (Joes Meat Shoppe won last year & is up for this years challenge!) There will be arts and crafts provided by Wicked Fun Art, a childrens movie, and for the older kids: a Guitar Hero & DDR contest. Ride a wagon pulled by the beautiful Clydesdale horses. Mosey down the road a bit more and enjoy the Great Bonfire, while warming up with some cocoa. Perhaps (if Mother Nature allows us) the ice rink will be ready this year! And to top off the night, a fireworks display for all to enjoy. Calendar will be ready mid January. Bands will A visit with Santa be sold for $5 for admission ALL DAY. $20 family of 4 cap. We are currently seeking juried artists for the Juried Artist Fair during WinterFest II. If you know or have a favorite juried artist, please have them call Diane at 964-3170 or grab an application on the Recreation web site. Upcoming Programs: Coyote Club, Fencing, Wrestling, Mad Science, Weird Science with Seacoast Science Center, Floor Hockey, Gymnastics, Windmill pitching Clinic, Zumba, Tai Chi, Boy & Girls High School Rec Hoop teams, Gunstock Ski Club, are just a few of the programs being offered. To view the Winter Brochure, please go to www.northhampton-nh.gov, click on Recreation then click the Winter Brochure. Holiday vacation Hoop Camp: Join Pat Quinn, M/T/W, Dec. 29, 30, 31 at the NHS Gym for hoop instruction. Grades 2-4 from 9-11am and Grades 5-8 from 11:30am-1:30pm. $45 for all 3 days or $20 per day. Only 20 spots. Santa visited the Old Town Hall on Saturday, December 6. Ill never tire watching the kids as they anxiously wait for their turn to share their lists. Thank you Santa for your dedication to our kids for nine years! A Special thanks to Sandy Dewing and my husband Jimmy for helping me create a Santas workshop for the kids to enjoy! USS Dallas: The Town of North Hampton was chosen as the host for the crew of the USS Dallas and the NR-1. We are looking forward to spending time with the crew members. We are currently looking for volunteer residents to invite a few of the members to their homes and offer them home cooked meals while they are stationed at the Shipyard. Please call Diane at 964-3170, to place your name on the host list. We are looking forward to this new endeavor and hope to make them feel at home on the seacoast. ~Diane Wheeler, Recreation Department Director

North Hampton Historical Society News

The 2008 season will come to a close with the annual Christmas party for members only. There are no public programs in January and February. However, the members will meet monthly to conduct business and plan future programs. The 2009 season will begin in March, the program to be announced. Aprils program will feature speaker Robert Macieski, Associate Professor at UNH. One of his topics will be Child Labor. May program to be announced. All public programs are held at the United Church of Christ on the third Monday of the month at 7pm The programs are free and refreshments are served. If you havent yet, we hope you soon will check out the display cases at the Historical Museum. The Historical Society Museum is located in the room across the hall from the Town Clerk/Tax Collectors office. The museum is open the same hours as the Town Clerk/ Tax Collectors office. We now have on display the Glen Dalton collection of framed pictures of old North Hampton buildings. We think you will find these pictures very interesting. Hope you have a good winter, see you in March. ~Beverley J. Frenette, Vice President, North Hampton Historical Society
PAGE 6 NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2009

North Hampton School Board Presents Zero Impact Budget

The North Hampton School Board presented a zero impact total budget to the Budget Committee in December 2008, reflecting their concern for taxpayer burden in these challenging economic times and balancing a quality education. This consistent demonstration of the School Boards fiscally responsible management of the school budget demonstrates the good faith actions of the Board as arbiters for both the taxpayers and the school. The proposed budget came after a long process, which begins each year in early September when the Board meets with both administration and representatives from the SAU to discuss the next years budget. Initially, the budget is prepared by the schools administration and is presented to the School Board for review and approval. The School Board, while keeping in mind their plan for submitting a flat, total budget for FY10, met numerous times throughout the months of October and November to make cuts in the budget. The budget presented by the administration was reviewed line item by line item and included three revisions of reductions and expense savings. Including warrant articles, the total budget is level with FY09. The work of the board over the past year exemplifies their commitment to provide a quality educational experience for the children of North Hampton while being thoughtful in light of the current economic environment. Each year there are fixed costs associated with the schools budget, such as the contractual obligations of salary increases in the teachers contract, the student transportation contract, the increase in food costs, and the inflation of fuel and energy costs, which are necessary to keep the building open for public use from 7 am to 11pm daily. At 72,000 square feet, the North Hampton School serves as a community center for all town constituents. The school is used consistently for the following: the town recreation department, voting, before and after school childcare, music lessons, town public hearings, town concerts, sporting events, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, parent groups, non-profit organizations, zoning board meetings, and more. The school is also the town emergency shelter, housing a generator that was installed at the towns request several years ago. The NHS Board is proud to support its philosophy of inclusion and expansion of use of the facility. It is important however to be aware that it is unfair to segregate school vs. town expenses given that the burden of this support is carried in the school district budget. The District does not charge for use of the facility as many districts do. To offset some of the costs of maintaining the facility for community use, the Board has been working closely with the administration and the new facilities manager on reductions and the reallocation of supplies, equipment, service agreements and energy costs. For example, the installation of energy saving lighting and heating controls is already showing positive results as evidenced by a PSNH rebate of $3,830.00 to the school. As part of the Boards long-term strategic goal to reduce the schools environmental impact, many important initiatives are underway. These include classroom efforts to develop students stewardship for the environment, a new food services program, and participation in the Farm to School program, which brings locally grown produce into the school cafeteria, supporting local farmers. The schools use of the town recycling center, is significant, continues to grow, and contributes to the town revenues. One of the issues facing North Hampton is that the classrooms range in size from 700 to 1000 square feet. Current law requires a minimum of 900 square feet per classroom for new construction: 15 out of 27 classrooms at NHS do not meet this requirement. To address space, energy conservation, and other concerns, the following items have been completed or are underway: a program and space utilization study, mechanical systems review, preliminary energy efficiency site evaluation, capital improvements plan, and regular meetings of the facilities committee and NHS safety committee. These studies provide valuable information to plan for future needs in a cost-effective, systematic manner. The North Hampton School Board faces challenges in its balance of delivering quality education and financial constraints. NHS is experiencing expanded enrollment, a Special Education population with more significant needs, increasing maintenance and transportation costs and a building exceeding capacity. The NHS Board deeply appreciates the support of the citizens of North Hampton in their continuing commitment to providing a quality education to our children. ~Tara K. Rossi, Assistant Principal, NHS
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER PAGE 7

WINTER 2009

News from the Childrens Room

Stay warm and toasty at the library with these programs for children and youth: Pre School Story Time - Winter Session 2009: Tuesday mornings 10:15-10:45am featuring stories, songs and crafts for ages 2-6. Pre-registration is required. Call or stop by the library to register. The winter session begins Tuesday, January 13th and ends Tuesday, March 10th. Pajama Story Time: An early evening Story Time held the first Monday of every month at 6:30pm. We will finish by 7:00pm. All ages are invited for stories, songs, music, and rhymes. Wear your pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal. No registration is required. Book Bunch: After School Fun for children in grades K and up. Book Bunch features books and activities to add some fun to cold winter afternoons from 4:00 to 4:45pm. Registration is required for Book Bunch. Upcoming dates and times are: Thursday, January 22nd, Thursday, February 19th and Thursday, March 19th. Winter Art Class with Phyllis Marsh: Meets for four weeks. Free! For ages 6-9. Registration is required. Class limited to 12 students. Class time is from 4:00 to 4:45pm on the following Tuesdays: January 20th and 27th and February 3rd and 10th. Saturday Stories: Have some fun at the library on Saturday mornings. January Program Literary Movement and Dance with Lori Hardacker of Dance Parties and Fitness in Motion of Rye. Saturday, January 17th from 9:3010:30 for ages 2-5 and 10:4511:45 for ages 5 and up. Both groups will be limited to 18. Call to reserve a spot today! February Program Comedy Kid Show a magic show for ages 4 and up with Magician Gregory McAdams. Saturday, February 7th from 11:00 11:40. No registration is required. Literary Lions: A book group for students in grades 4-5 (and 3rd graders too). Upcoming meetings and book selections are: Monday, January 12th 3:45-4:30 Call Me Frances Tuckett by Gary Paulsen Monday, February 2nd 3:45-4:30 The Boggart by Susan Cooper For Grades 5 and Up: Pizza Taste-athon! Pizzas from area restaurants will be eaten to determine best crust, toppings, and flavor on Monday, February 9th at 6:15pm. Call to let us know if you are coming so we can have pizza enough for everyone. Starting in March Pizza and Pages a book group for grades 5-8, featuring pizza and books you choose! Pick up the March book at the Pizza Taste-athon. Meets, Monday March 16th at 6:30pm. Hope to see you soon at the library! ~Lorreen M. Keating, Youth Services Librarian, Assistant Library Director

How many kids does it take to hold an 80 pound snake?

New England Wildlife Encounters Traveling Zoo brought an albino Burmese python to the North Hampton Library in November. We plan to have them back again this summer!
PAGE 8 NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2009

Upcoming Programs at North Hampton Public Library

~Susan Grant, Library Director

New Library Sign

You may have noticed that the library has a new roadside sign. Most of you know where the library is, but those who are new to town and those visiting have mentioned how difficult it was to find the library. The Friends of the Library are largely responsible for the new sign which was purchased with their generous contribution. The message board beneath the sign will advertise library happenings for those who frequent Atlantic Avenue. A big Thank You to the Friends who continue to support the library.

Family Games at North Hampton Public Library!

Hasbro and the American Library Association helped raise awareness about the benefits of playing games in libraries and incorporating games into educational programs by donating $300,000 in games to libraries. One of the games donated by Hasbro to North Hampton Public Library was PICTUREKA! The library has acquired other games including: Scrabble Upwords, Scrabble, Connect 4, Trouble, Chutes and Ladders, Yahtzee, and Last Word. Games can be played in the library or checked out for one week to library card holders. For more information contact the library at 964-6326 or visit our website at www.nhplib.org

Black History Month Program

Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 26th at 7:00 pm for a Black History Month Presentation. This program will be sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council. They describe the program as such: Maria W. Stewart will give her famous speech delivered at the Franklin Hall, Boston, September 21, 1832, in this living history program. Maria Stewart was a pioneering black abolitionist, a woman of profound religious faith, and a champion of womens rights, she was a forerunner to Fredrick Douglass and Sojourner Truth. Gwendolyn QuezairePresutti is a performance storyteller with a passion for education. She combines expertise in public speaking and diligence in historical research to create amazing stories and dramatic performances. She is an artist-in-residence at the Connecticut Historical Society and the Prudence Crandall Museum. Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti, performance storyteller

Classic Movie Night

Be on the look-out for Classic Movie Night at the library! Watch your favorite classics or soon-to-be favorites on the big screen. The Friends of the Library have generously provided us with an DLP projector to show movies at the library. This will be a great opportunity to socialize and watch a great film for an evening of fun and entertainment at no cost to you! More details to follow.

Geneology Workshop
Genealogy workshop starts 1/14/2008. It will run for 9 weeks on Weds. evenings starting at 6:30 and will cover organizing your research, state and county records, Federal records, immigration & naturalization, overseas research, genealogy on the internet, and difficult dead ends. Sign up is required and a fee of $5.00 for materials.

Tax Talks
January 12 at 7 pm and Jan. 13th at 3 pm, and again January 26th at 7 pm an H&R Block Outreach representative will be at the library to cover commonly missed deductions and mistakes, education credits and FAFSA, and general tax helps will be discussed. For a list of which topics will be discussed on which day, please contact the library or keep watching the website for updates.

Great Courses Masterworks of American Art

The library will be presenting a weekly series on the Masterworks of American art with Professor William Kloss. This is a video series produced by the highly recommended Great Courses from The Teaching Company. This will be a 12- part course with a 60 minute video lecture presented at each meeting. The series will begin February 4th at 2 pm.
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER PAGE 9

WINTER 2009

Planning Board Update

During recent months, the Planning Board has continued to meet regularly both to review site plans and subdivision plans, as well as other routine applications for changes of use and sign permits. However, because it is so important for North Hampton, as it is for other New Hampshire communities, the Planning Boards work in response to the newly enacted Workforce Housing Law will be the topic of this update. WORKFORCE HOUSING LAW As was reported in the September Community Newsletter, the Planning Board has been preparing the Towns response to the workforce housing law that was signed by Governor Lynch in July 2008 and takes effect on 1 July 2009. A subcommittee consisting of Barbara Kohl, Tom McManus and Phil Wilson has been developing an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and a revised version of the Towns zoning districts as the most effective way for the Town to comply with the new law. As proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, these will likely appear on the March 2009 Town Warrant. They are both long and complicated compared to prior zoning amendments that have been presented for voters to consider on past Town Warrants. The explanations below attempt to summarize salient points of each, but residents should carefully read and consider the full texts of both Warrant Articles before Town Meeting in March. Inclusionary Housing Ordinance According to the Rockingham Planning Commissions Regional Housing Needs Assessment, North Hamptons fair share of workforce housing in 2006 was 824 units. Based on the recent townwide revaluation and other data, the Town has an estimated 639 or fewer dwelling units that meet the affordability criteria of the law. Hence, North Hampton must take steps to comply with the law. An Inclusionary Housing Ordinance is a method of compliance for which the Workforce Housing Law specifically provides. The Ordinance that the Planning Board has drafted would permit workforce housing, as defined by the law, in the Industrial-Business/Residential (I-B/R) District and the R-1 District, and both districts would remain essentially as they are now. The process would employ a conditional use permit process administered by the Planning Board for each application under the ordinance. Types of workforce housing that would be permitted include multi-family (five or more units), condominiums, duplexes, and single-family dwellings, including manufactured homes. In the I-B/R District mixed-use development that is, apartments along side or within other commercial buildings would be permitted. In all cases qualifying housing units would have to be offered for sale or lease at prices that meet requirements of the law. At this time, qualifying apartments would have to rent for $1,045 per month or less, including utilities. Single-family dwellings that qualify would have to sell for $259,069 or less. Individuals or families who qualify to rent or purchase workforce housing units would be required to document to a Monitoring Agent, as defined in the ordinance, that their incomes qualify for the unit which they want to occupy. To ensure continued affordability of approved workforce housing units, the Town would hold a lien on each dwelling unit or building containing multi-family housing units. In addition, the ordinance would provide for the Town to fine owners who violate conditions under which their units were approved. Workforce-housing units approved under the ordinance would be required to remain affordable at least until the Town has met its fair share of workforce-housing units. Density restrictions under the current Zoning Ordinance would be reduced significantly in order to make opportunities to develop workforce housing reasonable and realistic, as required by the law. For example, minimum lot sizes would be reduced to the following: Minimum lot size for single-family dwellings, including manufactured housing units, would be one-third (1/3) acre of contiguous upland. as long as soil conditions permit the siting of requisite septic systems and wells within the decreased lot size. Minimum lot size for duplexes would be one-half (1/2) acre of contiguous upland. as long as soil conditions permit the siting of requisite septic systems and wells within the decreased lot size. Minimum lot size for qualifying multi-family housing including both rental units and units under condominium ownership would be one (1) acre of contiguous upland for the first dwelling unit and an additional one-quarter (1/4) acre of contiguous upland for each additional unit. Thus, the minimum lot size for a qualifying multi-family housing proposal under this Article is two (2) acres. In all cases these significantly reduced lot size requirement would be permitted only so long as soil conditions permit the siting of requisite septic systems and wells within the proposed lot size. ...continued on page 11
PAGE 10 NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2009

From the Office of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Dog tags will be available starting January 1st. All dogs, four months old and over must be licensed. For more information call the Town Clerk/Tax Collectors Office at 964-6029. Please mark your calendars for the following important dates: Town Deliberative Session: Saturday, January 31st beginning at 8:30am at North Hampton School. Town Elections: Tuesday March 10th at North Hampton School. ~Susan M. Buchanan, Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Planning Board Update continued from page 10

In a qualifying workforce-housing development minimum frontage required for each lot would be reduced to 100 feet, and minimum front-yard, side-yard, and rear-yard setbacks would be reduced to 15 feet. The aim of allowing increased density is to reduce the cost of development so that in North Hampton opportunities to build dwelling units that meet the Workforce Housing Laws affordability criteria are reasonable and realistic. Revised Zoning Districts The Workforce Housing Law requires that workforce housing be permitted in more than 50% of the land area of the Town that is zoned for residential use. Currently, the entire Town is zoned for residential use. The Town has approximately 8,900 acres. Consequently, 4,500 acres would have to be available for workforce housing development. North Hamptons land area also includes approximately 4,200 acres of wetlands and wetland buffers, and several hundred acres of conservation land. Residences are not permitted on either wetlands and wetland buffers or conservation land. Consequently, without the proposed changes in the Towns zoning districts, workforce housing would have to be permitted anywhere in Town. Proposed changes in zoning districts aim at providing reasonable and realistic opportunities for workforce housing in areas of the Town where increased density would be compatible with existing development, Aquarion water service is available, and the environment can sustain more dense development than is allowed by current district restrictions. To achieve these aims, three changes in zoning districts are proposed: 1. Combining the current R-2 and R-3 Districts into one R-2 District. The new R-2 District would have the same restrictions as the current R-2 District. Thus the only change in restrictions that this would make is that lots now in the R-3 District that have a side-yard setback requirement of 35 feet would have a side-yard setback of 30 feet, the requirement of the current R-2 District. 2. Creating a Wetland Conservation District. The Zoning Ordinance now provides for restrictions on Wetland Conservation Areas, including wetland buffer zones, in Section 409, but does not define a zoning district specifically for wetlands and wetland buffers. Creating this new district, in which land and restrictions on that land would be identical to the current the Wetland Conservation Area, removes wetland and wetlands buffers from the total land area of the Town which will used to calculate the area in which workforce housing must be permitted to comply with the new law. 3. Creating a Conservation Land District. North Hampton has several hundred acres of conservation land on which residential development is not a permitted use. However, this land is in current zoning districts in which residential use is permitted. Creating this new district, which only restricts land use according to conservation restrictions in existing deeds or easements, would eliminate conservation land from the total land area of the Town which will used to calculate the area in which workforce housing must be permitted to comply with the new law. These proposed changes may sound major, but in fact they do little more than codify existing zoning restrictions in a manner that helps the Town manage more effectively its response to the Workforce Housing Law. These changes permit workforce housing that complies with the law in areas of the Town where such development is most compatible with existing development patterns, where the environment of the Town can best sustain such development, and where applicable affordability criteria most reasonably can be achieved. Members of the Planning Board are: Dr. Joseph Arena, Jr.; Emily Creighton, Select Board Alternate Representative; Barbara Kohl, Tom McManus, Laurel Pohl, Craig Salomon, Select Board Representative; Vince Vettraino, Alternate Member; Shep Kroner, Vice Chair; Phil Wilson, Chair. ~Respectfully submitted, Phil Wilson, Chair
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER PAGE 11

WINTER 2009

North Hampton Schools Guiding Beliefs

Our Guiding Beliefs state: We believe that all students have diverse natures, interests, abilities and capabilities that should be developed to their full potential. We accept the challenge to address each student as an individual. We are dedicated to providing instructional opportunities, which are developmentally and cognitively appropriate to ensure that all students are challenged and inspired. We strive to engage students in meaningful activities that connect learning to life experience. We value creativity and the arts. We understand the importance of nurturing a wide variety of student strengths and teaching to all learning styles. We are committed to maintaining high academic and behavioral expectations. We believe that we learn and work best in an environment which is safe, supportive, and based on trust and respect. We acknowledge the necessity of physical and emotional well being as a foundation for all learning. We value diversity and appreciate differences. We encourage collaboration, cooperation and community service. We are committed to providing students with the necessary skills to become self-directed learners who value themselves and others. We believe in the exponential power of teamwork and value the entire communitys role in educating our students. Our school is made up of a community of learners that is focused on the students, but includes staff, parents and residents alike. We value communication and a partnership that comes together to listen, share knowledge and plan in order to achieve our common goals. We continually reflect on our practice, and thoughtfully consider changes based on what has worked in the past and what current research clearly supports. The mission and guiding beliefs have been the driving force behind all that we do at NHS for the past ten years. Whether a student is an artist, a mathematician, a scientist, or a writer, we accept the challenge to address each students personal skills and talents and develop them to their full potential. We believe we provide an exceptional education for all students. We consistently reflect on our teaching and ask ourselves how we can improve. Our students come back to NHS to share their life stories and we take those opportunities to ask them; how well did we prepare you for your future? Lauren Belmer, Class of 2000, stated, When I think about my time at NHS the lessons and skills that resonate for me are not academic, but instead have to do with life. Laura Kane, Class of 2007 stated, The staff didnt just teach you English, math and history, they taught
PAGE 12 NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

you how to become a better person. Kathryn Hansen, Class of 2004, stated, North Hampton School played a major role in the kind of student I was and will continue to be. The study habits and work ethic that I learned at NHS have really helped me to be a successful high school student. My teachers at NHS always stressed the importance of taking pride in your work and really being involved in your learning, and this has stayed with me for the past four years, and most likely will for the next four. In the upcoming months, we will be asking for members of the community to participate in the development of a new mission and guiding beliefs. The last time the school and community went through this process was ten years ago. Much has changed in our world in the last ten years and therefore it is time to look at where were we are now as a school and community and discuss where we want to go. What is crucial for our students to know and be able to do when they leave us? How can we continue to best serve our students? We hope we will have community members willing to participate in this process with us. Continue to check the school website at www.northhamptonschool.org for information regarding this as well as the latest news from the school. ~Tara K. Rossi, Assistant Principal, NHS

Recycling Center News

The Center is collecting: Florescent bulbs Batteries (except lead acid, e.g. car batteries) ALL plastics (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) Including lids and caps separated from bottles Aluminum and Tin Cans Corrugated Cardboard All kinds of glass (Except glass associated with motor vehicles and light fixtures, Plexiglas) Newspapers and magazines Textiles (into the Goodwill Box) Shredded paper delivered in paper or plastic bags, boxes Styrofoam peanuts Bubble wrap, reasonable size Bring your items to the Recycling Center Wednesdays and Saturdays 8:00-5:00. Located off Post Road on Cherry Road. Remember by recycling, North Hampton is enriched, and the planet becomes a healthier place in which to live. Brush and compost area is now closed. Weather permitting, it will reopen the first Saturday in April.

WINTER 2009

North Hampton Energy Committee

Throughout the month of December, Energy Committee members will be conducting efficiency surveys of all North Hampton municipal buildings. Working with the Board of Selectmen, the intent of the surveys will be to assess energy savings plans and potential investment strategies with cost savings for the town. Data will be collected during budget season via an Energy Audit checklist and analyzed using EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Portfolio software, The software looks very interesting for managing multiple buildings, said committee member Peter Philbrick, You can add or delete At the New England Regional EPA Lab on 12/02/08. buildings like a comprehensive campus system. L to R Bob Copp, Mary Lou Wollmar, Dietrich Ebert, I think this will be perfect for what we want to do to help our town. Peter Philbrick. photo by Dick Wollmar In preparation for the assessments, Philbrick and Committee member Robert Copp attended a UNH-EPA sponsored software training seminar. They, along with Mary Lou Wollmar, toured the US Environmental Protection Agency and Lab in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) 1.0 Gold Rated building. The EPA New England Regional Lab has implemented an Environmental Management System that focuses on enhanced operational control and efficiency, reducing costs and compliance with environmental protection laws.In three years their energy consumption dropped over 30% and water consumption, 49%. The Energy Committee is also developing ideas for a community-wide, carbon challenge event to bring heightened public awareness to energy conservation. The event, slated for Spring 2009, will coordinate efforts between the Committee, North Hampton School and Public Library, Channel 22 and the Carbon Coalition. Stay tuned for information! Energy tip for the month: Avoid the Power Shower. While showers have traditionally been seen to be a more efficient and economical alternative to baths, the increased use of power showers with a high flow rate can more than equal the amount of water and energy used for a bath. More troubling - Power Showers use up to three times more water than a standard, gravity shower unit in the same amount of time. But, the best way to conserve resources is of course, to shower with a friend! ~Mary Lou Wollmar, Chair & Tamara Le, Secretary

Cub Scout News

This summer the scouts enjoyed Camp Carpenter in July. Its an amazing week of camping, swimming, hiking, canoeing, paddleboating and more. As a Pack outing, led by our Bear Leader Peter, we did an Explore the Coast hike. It turned out to be a hunt for treasure with orienteering skills. Great job to all for this wonderful adventure. In August, families got together for Family Camping at Camp Carpenter. It is a great time to go camping with the scout and his siblings and enjoy the facilities at the camp. It was a beautiful day for swimming, archery, bb gun and of course fishing. We ended the evening with a roaring campfire and a homage to the fire Gods. September we welcomed four new Tiger scouts; Andrew Higgins, Gregory Hill, Zachary Klidaras, Henry Pallatroni and their fearless leader Michael Higgins. In November they earned their Bobcat and are well on their way towards their Tiger Badge. We want to thank the community who supported us in our annual Popcorn sales, especially Shaws and Hair Excitement for letting us sell at their business. We could not do it with out your support. We look forward to our December Sleepover at the school where we also will have our Space Derby Race, along with pizza and dessert. Then its off to the gym where we will have games and camp out. The remainder of the year are activities include Tubing at Gunstock, Blue and Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby and a couple more surprises. Scouting is fun, builds character and leadership. Interested in joining, please call Laurie Booth at 964-7369.
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER PAGE 13

WINTER 2009

Town of North Hampton Water Commission

Our water is a valuable resource. Fact: Today water sells for more than a gallon of milk. North Hampton provides the majority of public water supply wells. 1 Rye, 1 Stratham, 4 Hampton, 12 North Hampton Our water rate and your tax burden will increase every three years. The water company presents their investment reports and financial justification for rate changes before the Public Utility Commission (PUC) every three years. In 2006 The State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) published water rates and fire hydrant service charges. This information is available at www.des.nh.gov. The price per gallon and service charges per hydrant vary dramatically throughout the state. In 2006 Aquarian was granted a service charge rate increase to $1,278.51 per hydrant. The Town of North Hampton will be charged this rate times its 147 hydrants annually. In other words, your North Hampton taxes will pay $187,941 for hydrant fees to Aquarian each year and the rate is expected to increase $300 every three years. The chart below estimates the hydrant services charges for your tax bill through 2015.
2006 2009 2012 2015 RATE PER HYDRANT $1,278.51 $1,519.67 $1,819.67 $2,119.67 TOTAL TAX BURDEN $187,941 $223,391 $267,491 $311,591%

The North Hampton Water Commissioners in concert with the PUC Consumer Advocate will continue to appear before the PUC to debate all increases in an effort to reduce the impact of fees upon the taxpayers of our community. ~Commissioners: Henry Fuller, Bob Landman, Richard Bettcher and Tim Harned
PAGE 14 NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Sponsored by: The Town of North Hampton, North Hampton School Board, Friends of the Library, North Hampton Public Library, North Hampton, NH 03862

Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 4

y unit mm unity e Co g th e Comm lvin h Invo rming t nfo by I

North Hampton Resident